Sheikh Saalih received a question from a man who was worried whether he can keep a dog as a pet or not?
Sheikh responded that from the narrations of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) it is clear that keeping dog as a pet is not allowed in Islam except some exceptions. It is because Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave permission to keep dog only for guarding crops, hunting or for herding livestock.
It makes permissible to purchase or sell such dogs which are used for these purposes, purchasing or selling them for keeping as pet is not allowed.
Another question which is frequently raised is whether it is allowed to keep a dog to guard your house? Many believe it is allowed because the purpose for guarding protects and guarding house is same.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or an image.”